Are you interested in becoming a travel agent in the state of Florida? Do you possess good communication and marketing skills? Then this post is for you.
Different states have different procedures for registering as a travel agent and it may not be easy to get information on the state of your choice, so if you are a prospective travel agent looking to get registered in the state of Florida, we have got you covered.
In this post, we’ll discuss who a travel agent is, how to get registered in Florida, the roles and benefits of a travel agent
Who Is A Travel Agent
A travel agent is a personnel involved in creating the best travel experiences for their clients. They arrange travel for clients on behalf of hotels, airlines, and other tourism vendors and provide travel packages.
How To Become A Travel Agent In Florida
To become a travel agent, the individual must first register with the state of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Both resident and non-resident businesses and individuals must meet the requirement, whether they are providing services directly or indirectly.
For instance, if an agency located in South Carolina sells vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, this company must hold a registration as a Seller of Travel with the state of Florida.
The government department responsible for regulating this activity within state jurisdiction is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Customer Services (FDACS).
Registering As A Seller Of Travel In Florida – Step By Step
Consult With A Licensing Authority
The first step to becoming a registered travel agent in Florida is to find solid legal advice. Even though applicants are not legally required to work with an attorney, this is the best approach to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a seamless process.
Handling The Paperwork
With the appropriate forms in hand, you must fill them out with all the required information. Florida statutes SS559.928 (1) provides that “each seller of travel shall annually register with the department, providing:
- Its legal business or trade name, mailing address, and business locations.
- The full names, addresses, and telephone numbers of its owners or corporate officers and directors and the Florida agent of the corporation.
- A statement of whether it is a domestic or foreign corporation, its state and date of incorporation, its charter number, and if a foreign corporation, the date it registered with the state, and business tax receipts where applicable.
- The date on which a seller of travel registered its fictitious name if the seller of travel is operating under a fictitious or trade name.
- The name of all other corporations, business entities, and trade names through which each owner of the seller of travel operated, was known or did business as a seller of travel within the preceding 5 years.
- A list of all authorized independent agents, including the agent’s trade name, full name, mailing address, business address, and telephone numbers.
- The business location and address of each branch office and the full name and address of the manager or supervisor.
- Certification of business activity (as required by Fla. Stat. SS559.9285)
- Proof of purchase of adequate bond as required in this part
Once these forms are filled out accurately, you must submit them to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with an application fee.
Qualities And Skills A Travel Agent Must Have
As a travel agent, there are skills you will need to help you be at the top of your game. These skills include:
- Customer service skills
- Ability to sell products and services
- Administrative skills
- Communication skills
- Persuasion skills
- Ability to be thorough and pay attention to details
- A desire to help people
- Research skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work with a team
What Does A Travel Agent Do?
- Talk to customers to understand their needs
- Help customers find suitable holiday packages or plan independent travel
- Make bookings and payments using online computer systems
- Advise customers about passports, insurance, visas, vaccinations, tours and vehicle hire
- Inform customers of changes like canceled flights
- Arrange refunds and handle complaints
- Meet sales target
- Keep up to date with new trends in the industry
- Promoting and marketing the business
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Being A Travel Agent?
Pros
There are numerous benefits of being a travel agent, and with the travel and tourism industry growing at a rate of almost 10% annually, it is one sector that continues to expand year to year.
High Earning Potential
When you sell a travel product such as a cruise, flight, or hotel, to your customers, the supplier providing the product will pay a commission. The amount varies depending on the supplier and the product type, but typically it is around 10%-15% of the total cost.
If you are a member of a travel franchise, which is one of the most successful ways to build a business fast, the franchise will generally take a percentage of this commission, leaving you with whatever is left. It is important to research who gives the best commission before you buy a franchise.
University Degree Is Not Required
One serious perk of being a travel agent is that you don’t need to be a graduate. A minimum of a GED is all that is required concerning the level of education.
It is also important to note that becoming a successful travel agent requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise. This includes understanding the different types of travel options available, such as air travel, cruise vacations, and tour packages, as well as the various destinations and attractions that are popular with travelers.
These skills can be gained from online or physical courses. A travel franchise will give you access to free training, expert advice, and training events. Many also provide IT skills and marketing training, to ensure you know the best way to market your travel agency, keep business records, and build a solid customer base
Cons
- Low Average Salaries
The average salary of a travel agent in the U.S. is $48,943 per year, which isn’t low, but it isn’t high either. Some travel agents can earn more, but the majority do not earn more than $50,000.
- Online Booking Services
The coming of the digital age has brought about the establishment of many booking services. Customers no longer need travel agents often because they can easily book everything online, from flight tickets to hotel reservations.
Is Becoming A Travel Agent Worth It?
Whether or not becoming a travel agent is worth it will depend on personal goals, interests, and skills. If you are passionate about travel, have excellent customer service skills, and enjoy helping people achieve their dream holiday, it’s a fulfilling career.
However, it is important to consider the pros and cons and be prepared for the challenges of working in a travel agency.
According to a study by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment rate is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. About 8,600 openings for travel agents are projected each year, on average over the decade. Because of the projected growth rate travel agents may have an easier time finding work.
